Resources for DC ACTS Science Teachers

(updated December 16, 2002)
This site is maintained by Dr. Toby Horn, DC ACTS in DCPS
The site is hosted by the Carnegie Academy for Science Education of the Carnegie Institution of Washington, a partner with AAAS and DCPS in DC ACTS

Scientific Notation, Decimals, Units for Chemistry

Visit the MegaPenny Project

plus these great sites for getting a feel for numbers, here too and here too

Why do we need scientific notation ? Ask Dr. Math and here (why your wrist will thank you for not writing all those zeros!)
How do you use scientific notation? Try here and here and here
Math skills for chemistry (lots of links)
Naming a mole (like naming a dozen)
pH and powers of ten
Getting a feel for big numbers (with familiar objects)
Approximating, simplifying and estimating numbers generating memorable numbers, landmarks (like a mnemonic) something easier for you to remember.

The wrong Numbers can be LIFE-threatening!

Rulings for payment to pharmacies require decimal quantities
Pharmacy rulings and guideline. Always use a zero before the decimal. (Scroll to the bottom entries)

Numbers and math operations for chemistry
Numbers and significant figures
Units and conversions
Powers of Ten here and here and here OOPs we missed it! Powers of Ten Day is October 10
Infinitesimally tiny numbers and computing
Quantum numbers and the Periodic Table

Applications of Scientific Notation

The speed of light
Modeling when lightning strikes an airplane
The chart of really big numbers (size and age of the Universe)
Archimedes and large numbers in the universe
Scale models of the universe
Grains of sand on the earth? estimate!
World population
Molecules in a glass of water
Cells that die every day

How many atoms in a sugar cube? estimate!

Exercises AP Chemistry Study Cards---Use this for Intro Chemistry--Aim High!

Introductory (Try the advanced ones first! They may be a more interesting challenge)

Sig-fig self exam (interactive) http://www.sciencejoywagon.com/physicszone/lesson/00genral/sigfigs.htm
Scientific notation to decimal conversion (interactive) http://www.sciencejoywagon.com/physicszone/lesson/00genral/scitodec.htm
Decimals to scientific notation conversion http://www.sciencejoywagon.com/physicszone/lesson/00genral/dectosci.htm
Chemistry drill and practice http://science.widener.edu/svb/tutorial/index.html
The factor-label method
SI prefixes has webtests to practice a variety of calculations
Dimensional analysis tutorial http://www.wfu.edu/~ylwong/chem/dimensionanalysis/example1.html (Uses Shockwave plug-in)

Intermediate

http://www.howe.k12.ok.us/~jimaskew/csinote.htm (also has notes on putting scientific notaiton in a calculator)
Powers of ten for chemistry http://www.umassd.edu/1Academic/CArtsandSciences/Chemistry/Catalyst/powers.html

Advanced

http://www.geocities.com/m_runyon_85937/webpage/AdvancedChemistryScientificNotationPractice.htm

Mathematics for Physics/Physical Science (many interactive web tests) http://www.sciencejoywagon.com/physicszone/lesson/00genral/
From You to the Universe

number of folks in your immediate family
including all your aunts and uncles and cousins
the building you live in
the block you live on
your neighborshood
your ward/district
your city
your region
your country
your continent
your world
your solar system
your galaxy
the universe

Questions? Suggestions? Contact Dr. Toby Horn

Science and Mathematics Workshop
HomePage

hemocytometer

ksu rayday and data analysis